Writer

22 Random Things

As you’re on my website, you might just be interested in getting to know me a bit better so here are 22 random things about me.

I share my birthday with Bilbo and Frodo Baggins and had a coming of age party for my 33rd so am now planning the magic for my 111th.

Ever heard of the World Bog Snorkelling Championships? They’re hosted in Llanwyrtd Wells in mid Wales and yes I entered them when I was doing the PR for the Wales Tourist Board and came 18th in the world – oh such a huge claim to fame.

I was inspired to be a real surfer and jump out of a plane by Point Break- the movie – the great one with Keanu Reeves not the terrible remake – don’t ever watch it – it’s sacrilege.

One of my absolute favourite places in the world is Blessingbourne Estate near Five Mile Town in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.

I’m totally in awe of Robert Smith and quite partial to the way he does his lipstick.

Beverage of choice – English Breakfast tea and soy milk or Taittinger Champagne.

If I won a billion dollars I’d give it all away to save pigs from the torturous life those in factory farms lead. (I lie. I might keep a million for myself but definitely I want to save the pigs and all other animals in the world that suffer.)

My freelance career for one travel magazine was cut short after I politely contacted a hotel where I was sent to ask them not to serve live octopus. Ikizukuri (roughly translated as "prepared alive") is the preparing of sashimi (raw fish) from live seafood. The practice is controversial owing to concerns about the animal's suffering, as it is still alive when served.

Bad use of apostrophes used to really irk me but I’ve gotten over it.

I learnt to surf a SHORT BOARD! at the age of 39 and became totally addicted, surfing in rain, hail or shine every morning for two hours. I even moved my office from the city to Manly beach.

I love animals and have four cats although I’m really a dog person.

I love all things Irish and would love to live there each year, just in their summer, which I’m told comes and goes on a Tuesday afternoon in mid July.

I’ve spoken to a ghost!

I’m a real estate nut and had an auction column in the Sunday Tele for two years. I even did my real estate licence although I don’t want to be an agent and I sold my own home.

I’ve been on safari in Africa over 15 times and have done a walking safari where I came face to face with a herd of angry buffalo. Yes I survived.

I believe in aliens.

My favourite quote from Goethe, "Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now."

My father was a criminal barrister and his incredible cases had me enrolling in law at university only to find out how drab and boring all the other parts were.